Gotcha!

I have two dogs — an 85-pound Golden Retreiver and a 55-lb. healer mix. They are indoor dogs and spend their day sleeping while I work. (Their active time is between 4 and 10 p.m.)

Anyways, one of the rules in the house is that they stay off the furniture. Not because I am overly worried about dog hair, but just because they are so large there is no room on our furniture for both of them and the cats and us. Plus it’s sort of a good manner thing, since visitors don’t necessarily want to be blind-sided by a dog jumping onto the couch and landing in their lap.

I am no fool though, and I know the rules are different when I leave the house. They watch me out the window as I pull out of the driveway and then find a place to nap, which I thought was one of the many dog beds I have strewn around the house.

One day, however, they thought everyone in the house was gone and I clearly surprised them when I came back in to get something. I found the two of them already up on our chairs. They lifted their heads and froze. I snapped the picture quickly (that’s why it’s a bit unfocused) and then left. They didn’t turn their heads to follow me out the door and I pretended not to notice them otherwise.

As long as they abide by the rule when I am home, I didn’t see any reason to say anything. Our mutual pretending that the infraction was unnoticed, however, amused me. We do have an interesting relationship with our pets.

About the Author

Cathy M. Rosenthal has more than 25 years of experience in public relations, communications and humane education in the animal welfare field. She has worked for local humane societies and national humane groups, appearing on hundreds of television and radio news and public affairs programs to address animal issues. She currently is a consultant for local and national animal welfare organizations, writing grants, annual reports and other marketing materials. She is also the author of several children's books about animals.